With respect Steve. I fully understand what your saying in the rest of your previous post.

The part I qouted you on is the only part I honestly do disagree with.

I firmly believe anyone can train themselves out of being someone who is hopelessly easy to fluster.. I see it all the time. It may take more work and extra effort then others. But it can be done.

I got to go with Big A on this one. I just so happen to be a trainer (firearms/law enforcement) and have a significant amount of experience in this area.

A person can train all they want...but its got to be quality training. As a trainer, I like to train people under stress but its impossible to duplicate the stress someone feels when they actually believe they are about to be seriously injured or killed. Its mental and physical combined to the point of being muscle memory and automatic reaction. Some people learn faster than others but I think everyone can get to the same point.

Pepper spray is a good thing but does not work in all conditions/situations. I have seen guys walk right thru the stuff with little to no reaction. Tasers are also good but again, they dont always work. Training in the martial arts is wonderful but you got to be well trained and ready to go hands on. Its one thing to train with a partner, knowing you are not going to get seriously hurt...and its a completely different thing when you find yourself fighting for your life with a complete stranger. I think its a combination of things, plus being confident in yourself, aware of your surroundings and not taking risks. Don't make yourself into a easy target, hold yourself up, keep your head on a swivel and be prepared.

Big dog cures a lot of problems. As an added bonus besides keeping bad guys away the get rid of any bunny/stray kitty/critter problems she may have.

I have used mase as well as a taser and have had both used on me. They both have a time and a place. With any product it is important to know the user and understand what they will be comfortable with. As previously mentioned, those products can easily be used against you.

Cliffy makes a good point about avoiding situations. A good self-defense class will not only teach you some moves to use in a situation (if remembered or not) but will also teach you thinks to look for, warning signs, and things one can do to help avoid getting into a OH [PoorWordUsage] stress level situation.

A friend of mine was an MP in Vietnam. His job was to go out into the "sin city" outside the base, and round up troops to bring back so they wouldn't be AWOL. He said a shot of mace in the face would usually turn the biggest, meanest, toughest, guys into puppy dogs..

In the rare event the mace didn't work, he carried a nightstick for backup..

There was a case some years ago in the twin cities where a 2nd dan black belt got killed by a fat kid with a screwdriver who wanted to steal his ford maverick. I think the belt was in tae kwon do. As I recall the kid was only like 13.

There is probably a point in there somewhere. Not sure what it is.

I've been maced at a concert when I was about 17 and although not the most pleasant thing I could have fought through it. It feels worse about 2 minuites after you get shot with it. Martial arts are great and all but you still have to have power to stop a 200 pound thug. I would probobly get a taser or a gun. If you want to stop someone make sure it works. Get something manageable though, my stepmom is a probation officer and she carrys a 38 snubnose but I've seen her shoot it and she can barely control it because she flat out is not strong enough to deal with the kick. Best to avoid problems but people suck so its good to be ready.

I would think mace and a siren/whistle in a pocket or carried in hand would be the best option. If a woman has to go digging through her purse to get to the mace or whatever it may be waaaay to late by the time she finds them. A spray of mace and then the whistle or siren and think most would bug out. Or even the siren first, depending how close and the temperament of the attacker it may pizz them off and make it worse if they can get their hand on her.